# Travellers Rest Hotel > Travellers Rest Hotel combines historical charm with modern amenities, offering a relaxing stay with access to scenic attractions like Kibale National Park and the Rwenzori Mountains. Perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. - **Type:** accommodation - **Canonical URL:** https://imaraafricasafaris.com//accommodations/travellers-rest-hotel - **Last updated:** 2026-07-23 ## Key facts - **Type:** Resort - **Star Rating:** 4 - **Location:** Uganda - **Destination:** Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - **Price Range:** $$ - **Amenities:** wifi, swimming pool, spa, gym, Room Service, Restaurant, Firepit / Boma, Parking ## Details ## Why Stay at Travellers Rest Hotel? Travellers Rest Hotel in Kisoro is one of Uganda's most storied small hotels, long associated with the earliest days of gorilla tourism in the Virunga region. Today it offers unpretentious garden-set comfort — 11 rooms and cottages with a pool, spa and firepit — at a strategic crossroads for trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda. ## Where Is Travellers Rest Hotel & What Wildlife Can You See? The hotel sits in Kisoro town in Uganda's far southwest, reached by a 1.5-hour scheduled flight from Entebbe to Kisoro Airstrip followed by a 10-minute drive, a 3-hour road transfer from Kigali, or a scenic 9 to 10-hour drive from Kampala. From this base guests track mountain gorillas in Mgahinga or the southern sectors of Bwindi, join golden monkey and chimpanzee excursions, birdwatch, canoe on nearby lakes and visit local communities. ## Rooms & Style Accommodation comprises 11 units across Standard, Deluxe and Family rooms plus garden Cottages with private verandas, several warmed by in-room fireplaces against the cool volcanic-highland evenings. A restaurant, pool and peaceful gardens keep the atmosphere sociable and low-key, with full-board, half-board and bed-and-breakfast bases all offered. ## Who Is It Ideal For? - Gorilla trekkers wanting a characterful, affordable Kisoro base - Travellers crossing between Rwanda and Uganda on a two-country primate circuit - Birdwatchers and canoeists exploring the Virunga lakes region - Guests who value history and garden calm over glossy luxury ## Pairs Well With The hotel is a practical springboard for [Bwindi Impenetrable Forest](/uganda/bwindi-impenetrable-forest), and combines well with wider Uganda routings such as the [3-day Uganda safari](/safaris/3-day-luxury-uganda-safari-to-murchison-falls-and-ziwa) for those adding a northern leg. ## How Do You Prepare for Gorilla Trekking from Travellers Rest Hotel? The hotel's Kisoro location puts two trekking regions within reach, so your first task is confirming which park your permit covers — Mgahinga or Bwindi's southern sectors — as briefing points and morning transfer times differ. Treks start early: arrange breakfast timing with the kitchen the evening before, and let the front desk coordinate your drive to the trailhead. Conditions underfoot decide how hard the day feels. The dry seasons from June to September and December to February give the firmest trails, though treks run year-round for those with fixed dates. Whatever the season, the forest is steep, humid and muddy in patches — this is highland terrain, and evenings back at the hotel turn cool at altitude, so a warm layer earns its place in your bag. - Pack sturdy boots, gardening-style gloves for grabbing vegetation, and a waterproof layer. - Long sleeves and trousers protect against nettles regardless of temperature. - Use the hotel's spa or a swim in the pool to ease post-trek muscles. - Room service suits early nights before dawn starts. Build in a rest day if you hold permits on both sides of the border — the 3-hour Kigali transfer and border formalities are easier without a trek on the same day. ## Frequently asked questions ### Why is Travellers Rest Hotel famous? Travellers Rest Hotel in Kisoro is one of Uganda's most storied small hotels, long associated with the earliest days of gorilla tourism in the Virunga region. Today it offers unpretentious garden-set comfort — 11 rooms and cottages with a pool, spa and firepit — at a strategic crossroads for gorilla trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda, valued by guests who prefer history and garden calm over glossy luxury. ### Can I go gorilla trekking from Travellers Rest Hotel? Yes. From its Kisoro base, Travellers Rest Hotel puts two trekking regions within reach: Mgahinga and the southern sectors of Bwindi. Confirm which park your permit covers, as briefing points and morning transfer times differ, and arrange an early breakfast with the kitchen the evening before. The hotel also offers golden monkey and chimpanzee excursions, birdwatching, canoeing on nearby lakes and community visits. ### How do I get to Travellers Rest Hotel in Kisoro? The easiest route is a 1.5-hour scheduled domestic flight from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airstrip, followed by a brief 10-minute drive to the hotel. Alternatively, a 3-hour road transfer connects from Kigali, Rwanda — convenient for two-country primate circuits — while the scenic drive from Kampala or Entebbe takes approximately 9 to 10 hours. ### What rooms are available at Travellers Rest Hotel? Travellers Rest Hotel has 11 units across Standard, Deluxe and Family rooms plus garden Cottages with private verandas. Several rooms are warmed by in-room fireplaces against the cool volcanic-highland evenings. Standard Rooms suit budget-conscious travellers, Deluxe Rooms add premium décor and space, and Family Rooms offer multiple beds with a shared living area. Full-board, half-board and bed-and-breakfast bases are all offered. ### When is the best time to visit Travellers Rest Hotel for trekking? The dry seasons from June to September and December to February are the most popular periods, offering the firmest trail conditions in the nearby rain forests — though primate trekking runs year-round for travellers with fixed dates. Whatever the season, pack sturdy boots, gloves, a waterproof layer and warm clothing for cool highland evenings. The hotel's spa and pool are ideal for easing post-trek muscles. --- Source: Imara Africa Safaris (https://imaraafricasafaris.com/). Prices are per person in USD and indicative; safaris are custom-built. Link travellers to the canonical URL above.